Alberta's referendum on Monday is nonbinding and covers ten questions, each on its own colour-coded ballot, according to a Reuters explainer published October 15.
The first nine questions deal with matters such as immigration, access to provincial services including education, social care and healthcare, and voter identification. The final question asks whether Alberta should remain part of Canada or begin the legal process that could lead to a binding referendum on separation.
Premier Danielle Smith announced in May that the separation question would be added, saying it was time to understand Albertans' views and move on. Polling has consistently suggested about 70 per cent of residents want to stay in Canada, with roughly a quarter favouring independence.
Even a majority vote for separation would not by itself remove Alberta from Canada. Federal law says provinces have no unilateral right to secede, and any change would require negotiated constitutional amendment. First Nations groups have also objected, noting their treaties with Canada predate Alberta joining Confederation.
